Karelian

noun

Ka·re·lian kə-ˈrē-lē-ən

-ˈrēl-yən

1

: a native or inhabitant of Karelia

2

: the Finno-Ugric language of the Karelians

Karelian adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of Karelian was in 1854

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Karelian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Karelian. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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